Rainbow Crossing Design Revealed
After a brief hiatus, the rainbow crossing in Wimbledon town centre is back. This time around it’s been given a new colour palette and the ‘Progress Pride’ flag design, which includes a chevron of black stripes to represent people of color and blue, pink, and white stripes for trans people. The crossing was created by Merton Council and Love Wimbledon BID, and is located outside the New Wimbledon Theatre. This link https://creativecrosswalks.co.uk/
It follows on from Sydney’s famous Oxford Street crossing, which became a global sensation when it was painted ahead of 2013’s Mardi Gras festivities. It was such a hit that it was kept in place after the parade and has since been replicated in West Hollywood, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Vancouver.
From Pride Parades to Streets: The Evolution of Rainbow Crossing Design
The colourful crosswalks are a form of temporary public art, allowing pedestrians to express themselves in a safe way. They are also a form of political activism, promoting diversity and inclusion in cities, particularly when it comes to gender and sexuality.
As the movement grows, more cities are installing them and collecting data on their effectiveness as a way to educate the public and encourage more creative use of the urban environment. However, the colourful pedestrian crossings have been met with criticism from federal officials who see them as a potential hazard for drivers and pedestrians.
Despite these concerns, the project has been a success and has inspired similar initiatives across the UK. The Defence Infrastructure Organisaton at RAF Brize Norton, for example, have recently installed a zebra crossing next to the main entrance, linking walking routes and improving safety for all users.